U.S. patent application number 16/415938 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for temperature-regulating appliance with removable base.
This patent application is currently assigned to HATCO CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is HATCO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Nick Bassill, Mark Gilpatric, Edward Nunn, Ishan Shah, Fei Shang.
Application Number | 20190357318 16/415938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68533321 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190357318 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bassill; Nick ; et
al. |
November 21, 2019 |
TEMPERATURE-REGULATING APPLIANCE WITH REMOVABLE BASE
Abstract
A temperature-regulating appliance includes a top portion, a
base, and a mounting adapter. The top portion has an upper surface
and a lower surface. The top portion is configured to be mounted to
a countertop. The base includes a housing defining an internal
compartment and a thermal element disposed within the internal
compartment of the housing. The mounting adapter extends from the
lower surface of the top portion to the housing. The mounting
adapter detachably couples the base to the top portion.
Inventors: |
Bassill; Nick; (Milwaukee,
WI) ; Nunn; Edward; (Milwaukee, WI) ;
Gilpatric; Mark; (Milwaukee, WI) ; Shah; Ishan;
(Milwaukee, WI) ; Shang; Fei; (Milwaukee,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HATCO CORPORATION |
Milwaukee |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HATCO CORPORATION
Milwaukee
WI
|
Family ID: |
68533321 |
Appl. No.: |
16/415938 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62673762 |
May 18, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 6/12 20130101; H05B
6/1209 20130101; F24C 7/083 20130101; F24C 7/067 20130101; F24C
15/007 20130101; H05B 2213/07 20130101; F24C 15/108 20130101; H05B
6/062 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05B 6/06 20060101
H05B006/06; H05B 6/12 20060101 H05B006/12; F24C 7/08 20060101
F24C007/08; F24C 7/06 20060101 F24C007/06; F24C 15/00 20060101
F24C015/00 |
Claims
1. A temperature-regulating appliance comprising: a top portion
having an upper surface and a lower surface, the top portion
configured to be mounted to a countertop; a base comprising: a
housing defining an internal compartment; and a thermal element
disposed within the internal compartment of the housing; and a
mounting adapter extending from the lower surface of the top
portion to the housing, the mounting adapter detachably coupling
the base to the top portion.
2. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, further
comprising a temperature sensor positioned between the housing and
the lower surface of the cooktop.
3. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 2, wherein the
temperature sensor is coupled to the housing such that the
temperature sensor remains with the base when the base is detached
from the cooktop.
4. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 2, wherein the
temperature sensor is coupled to the cooktop such that the
temperature sensor remains with the cooktop when the base is
detached from the cooktop.
5. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, further
comprising insulation positioned between the housing and the lower
surface of the cooktop.
6. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, wherein the
housing is spaced from the lower surface of the cooktop such that
an airgap is formed between the lower surface of the cooktop and
the base.
7. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, wherein the
thermal element includes at least one of an inductive heating
element, a non-inductive heating element, or a cooling element.
8. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of thermal elements, wherein each of the
plurality of heating elements is independently controllable.
9. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 1, wherein the
mounting adapter includes a bracket extending from the lower
surface of the cooktop and a flange coupled to the housing of the
base.
10. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 9, wherein the
bracket is releasably coupled to the flange such that the mounting
adapter has a multi-piece construction.
11. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 9, wherein the
bracket is fixed to the flange such that the mounting adapter has a
one-piece construction.
12. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 9, wherein the
bracket is releasably coupled to the lower surface of the cooktop
and the flange is releasably coupled to the housing of the
base.
13. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 9, wherein the
bracket is fixed to the lower surface of the cooktop and the flange
is releasably coupled to the housing of the base.
14. The temperature-regulating appliance of claim 9, wherein the
bracket is releasably coupled to the lower surface of the cooktop
and the flange is fixed to the housing of the base.
15. A base for a temperature-regulating appliance, the base
comprising: a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, and a
sidewall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall that
cooperatively define an interior chamber; an insulating layer
disposed along the upper wall; an inductive heating element
positioned within the interior chamber, beneath the insulating
layer; and a lip extending at least partially along a periphery of
the housing, the lip configured to selectively interface with a
bracket extending from a cooktop of the temperature-regulating
appliance to facilitate detachably coupling the base to the
cooktop.
16. The base of claim 15, wherein the lip is releasably coupled to
the housing.
17. The base of claim 15, wherein the lip is fixed to or integrally
formed with the housing.
18. The base of claim 15, further comprising a temperature sensor
disposed along the insulating layer, wherein the temperature sensor
is positioned to engage the cooktop when the base is coupled to the
cooktop.
19. The base of claim 15, further comprising a connector disposed
along the housing, the connector configured to selectively
interface with a temperature sensor coupled to the cooktop when the
base is coupled to the cooktop.
20. An induction range comprising: a cooktop having an upper
surface and a lower surface; a base comprising: a housing defining
an internal compartment; an insulation layer disposed along a top
surface of the housing; and an inductive heating element positioned
within the internal compartment of the housing; a mounting adapter
extending from the lower surface of the cooktop to the housing, the
mounting adapter detachably coupling the base to the cooktop; and a
temperature sensor positioned between the lower surface of the
cooktop and the insulation layer, wherein the temperature sensor is
coupled to at least one of the lower surface of the cooktop or
coupled to the insulation layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application (a) claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/673,762, filed May 18, 2018, and (b) is
related to (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney
Docket No. 032016-0203), filed May 17, 2019, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,781,
filed May 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/673,785, filed May 18, 2018, (ii) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 032016-0204), filed May 17, 2019,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/673,763, filed May 18, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 62/673,768, filed May 18, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/673,778, filed May 18, 2018, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,780, filed May 18, 2018,
and (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket
No. 032016-0205), filed May 17, 2019, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,769, filed May 18,
2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,772, filed May
18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,775,
filed May 18, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Food service operators utilize built-in induction ranges on
their serving lines. Traditionally, parts of the induction range
are mounted permanently into a countertop (e.g., a stone
countertop). The induction range typically includes a base and a
top piece (e.g., a ceramic glass top) that is accessible to the
user. The top piece may be permanently installed in the countertop
using an adhesive product (e.g., silicone glue). Among other
benefits, the adhesive product secures the top piece directly to
the countertop to prevent water and spills from migrating through
the interface between the top piece and the countertop. The
adhesive product may also be used to secure a stainless ring around
the edge of the top piece for aesthetic reasons and to better
protect the joint formed between the top piece and the
countertop
[0003] An issue often experienced with built-in induction ranges
occurs when the base requires servicing. During a typical service
event, in order to access the damaged components in the base, the
top piece must be cut out of the countertop. A new top piece or
repaired top piece and base are then re-installed into the
countertop. Again, an adhesive product (e.g., silicon glue) must
then be used to re-secure the induction range to the countertop.
Most service technicians are not skilled at working with these
adhesives and the quality of the work product may be poor. Some
service technicians may even refuse to install a ceramic top when
the reapplication of such an adhesive is required.
SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment relates to a temperature-regulating
appliance. The temperature-regulating appliance includes a top
portion, a base, and a mounting adapter. The top portion has an
upper surface and a lower surface. The top portion is configured to
be mounted to a countertop. The base includes a housing defining an
internal compartment and a thermal element disposed within the
internal compartment of the housing. The mounting adapter extends
from the lower surface of the top portion to the housing. The
mounting adapter detachably couples the base to the top
portion.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a base for a
temperature-regulating appliance. The base includes a housing, an
insulating layer, an inductive heating element, and a lip. The
housing has an upper wall, a lower wall, and a sidewall extending
between the upper wall and the lower wall that cooperatively define
an interior chamber. The insulating layer is disposed along the
upper wall. The inductive heating element is positioned within the
interior chamber, beneath the insulating layer. The lip extends at
least partially along a periphery of the housing. The lip is
configured to selectively interface with a bracket extending from a
cooktop of the temperature-regulating appliance to facilitate
detachably coupling the base to the cooktop.
[0006] Still another embodiment relates to an induction range. The
induction range includes a cooktop, a base, and a temperature
sensor. The cooktop has an upper surface and a lower surface. The
base includes a housing, an insulation layer, and an inductive
heating element. The housing defines an internal compartment. The
insulation layer is disposed along a top surface of the housing.
The inductive heating element is positioned within the internal
compartment of the housing. The mounting adapter extends from the
lower surface of the cooktop to the housing. The mounting adapter
detachably couples the base to the cooktop. The temperature sensor
is positioned between the lower surface of the cooktop and the
insulation layer. The temperature sensor is coupled to at least one
of the lower surface of the cooktop or coupled to the insulation
layer.
[0007] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be
in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and
advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become
apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appliance having a top
portion and a base portion coupled together with an adapter,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base portion of the
appliance of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the base portion of
FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the base portion of
FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the base portion of
FIG. 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the appliance of FIG. 1 with
the top portion separated from the base portion, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the appliance of
FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain
exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the
present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set
forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should
also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description only and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, an appliance (e.g., an
induction range, etc.) is configured to be mounted to a countertop
(e.g., built-in to the countertop, adhesively secured thereto,
etc.). The appliance includes a top portion and a base portion. The
top portion is configured to provide a cooking, warming, and/or
cooling surface and support cookware and/or food product to be
cooked, heated, warmed, and/or cooled by the appliance. In some
embodiments, the base portion includes various components
configured to facilitate cooking and/or warming operations (e.g.,
by electromagnetic induction, conduction, etc.). In other
embodiments, the base portion additionally or alternatively
includes various components configured to facilitate cooling
operations (e.g., by conduction, etc.). The base portion may be
mounted to the top portion in a configuration that facilitates
selective removal of the base portion from the top portion. Such an
arrangement may facilitate easy access to the base portion during
service events (e.g., where one or more components in the base
portion may need to be repaired, replaced, cleaned, etc.).
Accordingly, the appliance of the present disclosure may facilitate
removing the base portion from the top portion without breaking a
connection and watertight seal between the top portion of the
appliance and the countertop the appliance is installed in.
[0017] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, an
appliance, shown as temperature-regulating appliance 100, includes
a first portion (e.g., a cooktop, a cooling plate, etc.), shown as
top portion 200, and a second portion (e.g., a base portion, a base
cartridge, etc.), shown as base 300, detachably coupled to the top
portion 200 via an adapter, shown as mounting adapter 600.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the top portion 200 and the
base 300 are configured such that the temperature-regulating
appliance 100 is a built-in induction range. In other embodiments,
the top portion 200 and the base 300 are otherwise configured to
provide another type of drop-in or built-in appliance other than an
induction range. By way of example, the temperature-regulating
appliance 100 may be configured as a non-induction cooktop such as
an electric conductive coil cooktop or other suitable drop-in
appliance where the cooktop and the base thereof are capable of
being detachably coupled by a mounting adapter. By way of another
example, the temperature-regulating appliance 100 may be configured
as a cooling system configured to cool items disposed on the top
portion 200.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the top portion 200 is configured
as a plate having a first surface, shown as upper surface 202, and
an opposing second surface, shown as lower surface 204. According
to an exemplary embodiment, the top portion 200 is configured to
support one or more pieces of cookware (e.g., pots, pans, kettles,
etc.) and/or food items. In some embodiments, the top portion 200
is manufactured from a ceramic glass material. In other
embodiments, the top portion 200 is manufactured from another
material suitable for the heating, warming, and/or cooling
operations disclosed herein (e.g., a metal or metal alloy, glass,
ceramic, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.
1, the top portion 200 has a square shape with a width and height
of twelve inches. However, it should be understood that the top
portion 200 may have a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors,
material compositions, and/or textures depending on the model
and/or application of the temperature-regulating appliance 100. The
top portion 200 may therefore have another shape such as an
elongated rectangle, a circle, and/or any other suitable shape.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1,5, and 7, the base 300 is positioned
beneath the top portion 200. As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7, the base
300 includes an outer shell, shown as housing 302, having a
plurality of sidewalls, shown as sidewalls 304, an upper surface,
shown as upper wall 306, and an opposing second surface, shown as
lower wall 308, coupled to the upper wall 306 by the sidewalls 304.
The sidewalls 304, the upper wall 306, and the lower wall 308
cooperatively define an interior chamber (e.g., a base chamber, an
internal cavity, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the base 300 has a square cross-sectional
shape, corresponding to the shape of the top portion 200. In other
embodiments, the base 300 has another shape (e.g., rectangular,
circular, etc.) that is the same or different than the shape of the
top portion 200.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the base 300 includes an
electronics package, shown as electronics package 310, disposed
within the interior chamber of the housing 302. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the electronics package 310 includes various
components configured to power and control operation of the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 to facilitate heating and/or
warming cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion
200 through inductive heating. In other embodiments, the
electronics package 310 includes various components configured to
power and control operation of the temperature-regulating appliance
100 to facilitate heating, warming, and/or cooling cookware and/or
food product disposed on the top portion 200 through non-inductive
means (e.g., conduction, etc.).
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the electronics package 310
includes a temperature-regulating element, shown as thermal element
312, and a power and control system, shown as power and control
unit 314. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal element
312 is configured as an inductive heating element (e.g., an
inductive heating coil, etc.) configured to facilitate heating
and/or warming cookware and/or food product disposed on the top
portion 200 via inductive heating. In such an embodiment, food
product may be wrapped in a wrapper or stored in a bag, box, or
other suitable container including a current conducting material
similar to the wrapper and the container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,124,200, filed Oct. 25, 2005, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,848, filed
Feb. 14, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entireties. In other embodiments, the thermal element 312
is configured as another type of heating element (e.g., a
conductive heating coil, etc.). In still other embodiments, the
thermal element 312 is configured as a cooling element (e.g., a
Peltier device, a thermoelectric cooler, etc.). The power and
control unit 314 may include an inverter (e.g., an induction
inverter, etc.) configured to power the thermal element 312. In
some embodiments, the electronics package 310 includes a plurality
of thermal elements 312 variously positioned about the base 300 to
facilitate variably heating, warming, and/or cooling cookware
and/or food product disposed on the top portion 200. By way of
example, the temperature-regulating appliance 100 may be configured
to facilitate (i) heating, warming, and/or cooling a first piece of
cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion 200 to a
first temperature and (ii) heating, warming, and/or cooling a
second piece of cookware and/or food product disposed on the top
portion 200 to a second temperature that is different than the
first temperature. By way of another example, the thermal element
312 and the power and control unit 314 may include a plurality of
induction elements, such as double or quad induction inverter and
heating element arrangements.
[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the power and control
unit 314 is configured to power and control operation of the
thermal element 312 based on user commands, sensor feedback signals
(e.g., from a temperature measurement sensor, etc.), or other
methods used to determine the temperature of a piece of cookware
and/or food product being heated and/or cooled. Accordingly, the
power and control unit 314 may be coupled to the thermal element
312, a power source (e.g., a mains power supply, an external power
source, etc.), a user interface (e.g., knobs, buttons, touch
screens, etc. of the temperature-regulating appliance 100), and/or
one or more sensors to perform the functions of the
temperature-regulating appliance 100.
[0023] The power and control unit 314 may include a controller
implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits
containing one or more processing components, circuitry for
supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or
other suitable electronic processing components. The controller may
include a processing circuit having a processor and a memory. The
processing circuit may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP,
circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry
for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components,
or other suitable electronic processing components. The processor
may be configured to execute computer code stored in the memory to
facilitate the activities described herein. The memory may be any
volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable
of storing data or computer code relating to the activities
described herein. The memory may include computer code modules
(e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code,
machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processor.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the base 300 includes an
intermediate layer, shown as insulation 400, disposed along the
upper wall 306 of the housing 302 such that the insulation 400 is
positioned between the lower surface 204 of the top portion 200 and
the upper wall 306 of the housing 302. As shown in FIG. 7, the
insulation 400 is spaced a distance from the lower surface 204 of
the top portion 200 such that a gap, shown as airgap 410, is formed
therebetween. In other embodiments, the insulating 400 is sized to
eliminate the airgap 410. In some embodiments, the base 300 does
not includes the insulation 400 (e.g., in embodiments where the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 is not an induction range,
etc.)
[0025] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and
7, the insulation 400 has a multi-layer construction including a
first layer, shown as top layer 402, a second layer, shown as
middle layer 404, and a third layer, shown as bottom layer 406. In
other embodiments, the insulation 400 has a different number of
layers (e.g., two, four, etc.) and/or has a single-layer
construction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top layer
402 and the bottom layer 406 are manufactured from a first material
and the middle layer 404 is manufactured from a second material
different than the first material. By way of example, the first
material of the top layer 402 and the bottom layer 406 may be mica
and the second material of the middle layer 404 may be fiberglass.
The mica of the top layer 402 may provide a solid, waterproof
surface upon which a temperature sensor may be mounted, as
described in more detail herein. In another embodiment, the top
layer 402, the middle layer 404, and the bottom layer 406 are
manufactured from the same material or three different materials.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the insulation 400 is
positioned to limit heat transfer from the top portion 200 to the
base 300 (e.g., to prevent damage to sensitive electronic
components housed within the base 300, etc.).
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5-7, the temperature-regulating
appliance 100 includes one or more sensors, shown as temperature
sensors 500. According to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature
sensors 500 are position to measure a temperature (e.g., an
approximate temperature, etc.) of a component of the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 (e.g., the top portion 200,
etc.) and/or a temperature of a item of cookware and/or food
product placed atop the top portion 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the
temperature sensors 500 are (i) disposed between the top layer 402
of the insulation 400 and the lower surface 204 of the top portion
200 and (ii) positioned within the airgap 410. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 includes two temperature
sensors 500 disposed along a central axis on the insulation 400. In
another embodiment, the temperature-regulating appliance 100
includes several temperature sensors 500 variously positioned at
various locations along the top portion 200. According to the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the temperature sensors 500
engage the lower surface 204 of the top portion 200. The
temperature sensors 500 may be or include various different
temperature measurement sensors such as, for example, a thermistor,
a thermocouple, and/or any other suitable temperature measurement
device.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the temperature sensors 500
include a base portion, shown as mount 502, configured to
facilitate coupling each of the temperature sensors 500 to the top
layer 402 of the insulation 400. The mount 502 may be secured to
the insulation 400 using adhesive, a fastener (e.g., screws, bolts,
staples, etc.), a hook and loop fastener, and/or still another
suitable coupler. The mount 502 may be a thin circular piece of
mica with a slightly larger diameter than the temperature sensors
500. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the temperature sensors 500 include
a connector, shown as wiring 504, that electrically couples the
temperature sensors 500 to the electronics package 310 positioned
within the base 300 (e.g., the wiring 504 is routed through the
upper wall 306 of the housing 302, through the sidewalls 304 of the
housing 302, through the insulation 400, etc.). In such an
arrangement, the temperature sensors 500 may remain coupled to the
base 300 and decouple from the top portion 200 when the base 300 is
selectively detached from the top portion 200.
[0028] In other embodiments, one or more of the temperature sensors
500 are additionally or alternatively directly coupled to the top
portion 200 and selectively electrically coupled to the electronics
package 310 of the base 300. By way of example, the mounts 502 may
be secured to the lower surface 204 of the top portion 200 and the
wiring 504 may include quick adapters or connectors configured to
selectively engage with interfaces on the base 300 to electrically
couple the temperature sensors 500 to the electronics package 310.
In such an arrangement, one or more of the temperature sensors 500
may remain coupled to the top portion 200 and decouple from the
base 300 when the base 300 is selectively detached from the top
portion 200.
[0029] A variety of different mounting configurations may be
utilized to releasably secure the base 300 to the top portion 200.
By way of example, the temperature-regulating appliance 100 may
include an adapter having features (e.g., clips, latches, hooks,
etc.) that engage with a series of interfaces of the top portion
200 and/or the base 300. By way of another example, the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 may include an adapter that is
releasably secured to the top portion 200 and/or the base 300 via
fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). According to the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, the mounting adapter 600 is a
multi-piece mounting adapter configured to releasably secure the
base 300 to the top portion 200. In other embodiments, the mounting
adapter 600 is a single-piece mounting adapter. In still other
embodiments, the mounting adapter 600 or a portion thereof is
integrally formed with the top portion 200 and/or the base 300.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the mounting adapter 600 includes
first portions, shown as flanges 610, coupled to the lower wall 308
of the housing 302 along opposing edges thereof, and a second
portion, shown as bracket 620, coupled to the lower surface 204 of
the top portion 200. In other embodiments, the flanges 610 extend
at least partially along each of the edges of the lower wall 308.
In other embodiments, the flanges 610 are otherwise positioned on
another portion of the housing 302 that provides adequate
structural support (e.g., the sidewalls 304, the upper wall 306,
etc.). The flanges 610 may be manufactured from a single piece of
material or may be manufactured from multiple pieces of material
that are welded or otherwise fastened together. According to an
exemplary embodiment, each of the flanges 610 is manufactured from
a thin piece of stainless steel that is stamped or otherwise formed
in the shape of an elongated rectangle.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the flanges 610 are
removably coupled to the housing 302. As shown in FIG. 4, each of
the flanges 610 defines a plurality of apertures, shown as
through-holes 612, configured to facilitate releasably securing the
flanges 610 to the housing 302 and/or the bracket 620. According to
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the flanges 610 are
releasably secured to the housing 302 via a plurality of fasteners
(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), shown as fasteners 618. In other
embodiments, the flanges 610 are integrally formed with the housing
302 or fixedly secured thereto (e.g., welded, with adhesive, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 4, each of the flanges 610 defines one or more
elongated slots, shown as slots 614, that are oriented in a
direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge,
shown as edge 616, of the flanges 610. The slots 614 may be
configured to minimize the mass of each of the flanges 610 and/or
facilitate adjusting the position of the flanges 610 relative to
the top portion 200. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 4-7, the edges 616 of the flanges 610 are oriented in a
direction that is substantially parallel with the sidewalls 304 of
the housing 302. More specifically, the edges 616 of each of the
flanges 610 extend beyond the sidewalls 304, thereby forming a lip
around at least a portion of the periphery of the base 300.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket 620 includes a base,
shown as frame 622, having a pair of vertical legs, shown as legs
624, positioned along and extending from opposing sides of the
frame 622. In other embodiments, the legs 624 extend from each side
of the frame 622. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 7, the frame 622 is fixedly secured to the lower surface 204
of the top portion 200 via a coupler, shown as bracket coupler 640.
In one embodiment, the bracket coupler 640 includes an adhesive
(e.g., silicone glue, etc.). In other embodiments, the bracket
coupler 640 includes fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.)
configured to releasably secure the frame 622 to the lower surface
204 of the top portion 200. In still other embodiments, the frame
622 is integrally formed with the top portion 200.
[0033] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
frame 622 extends along the periphery of the top portion 200. In
alternative embodiments, the top portion 200 is much larger than
the base 300 such that the frame 622 may be disposed at any other
suitable location along the lower surface 204 of the top portion
200 (e.g., spaced from the periphery thereof, etc.). In some
embodiment, a plurality of the brackets 620 are coupled to the top
portion 200 to facilitate coupling two or more of the bases 300 to
a single top portion 200. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the legs 624
are oriented substantially perpendicular to the top portion 200
such that the legs 624 extend substantially perpendicular to the
lower surface 204 of the top portion 200. In other embodiments, the
legs 624 may be angled inward or outward (e.g., to accommodate a
smaller base 300, to accommodate a larger base 300, etc.).
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket 620 includes a
plurality of interfaces, shown as flanges 626, that extend from the
bottom edges of the legs 624. As shown in FIG. 7, the flanges 626
are configured to interface with the flanges 610 to facilitate
releasably securing the base 300 to the bracket 620 and, thereby,
the top portion 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the flanges 626 of the
legs 624 define a plurality of apertures, shown as mounting holes
630. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mounting holes 630
are positioned to align with the through-holes 612 of the flanges
610. According to an exemplary embodiment, the fasteners 618 are
configured to interface with the through-holes 612 and the mounting
holes 630 to secure the legs 624 to the flanges 610, thereby
releasably securing the base 300 to the top portion 200. In other
embodiments, the flanges 610 are integral with the legs 624 (e.g.,
a one-piece adapter, etc.) and facilitate releasably coupling the
legs 624 directly to the housing 302 of the base 300.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the top portion 200 includes an
extenend peripheral edge, shown as cantilevered edge 206, that
extends beyond the sidewalls 304 of the base 300 and the mounting
adapter 600 (e.g., such that the periphery of the top portion 200
is cantilevered beyond the sidewalls 304 and the mounting adapter
600, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the
temperature-regulating appliance 100 is configured to be mounted to
a countertop. Specifically, the temperature-regulating appliance
100 may be inserted into a cutout formed in the countertop. The
cutout may be sized such that the cantilevered edge 206 of the top
portion 200 contacts an upper surface of the countertop and the
base 300 extends beneath the countertop. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the top portion 200 is configured to be affixed (e.g.,
mounted, etc.) to the countertop, for example, by applying an
adhesive between the upper surface of the countertop and the lower
surface 204 of the cantilevered edge 206 of the top portion 200. In
some embodiments, the adhesive is or includes silicon glue that is
applied in (i) between the cantilevered edge 206 and the top
surface of the countertop and/or (ii) along a joint formed between
the cantilevered edge 206 and the countertop. In addition to
securing the top portion 200 to the countertop, the adhesive may
form a watertight seal that prevents water or other liquids from
passing through the cutout in the countertop and from being
retained in any small spaces between the top portion 200 and the
countertop. Additionally, the adhesive may be used to secure a
stainless steel ring around the perimeter of the top portion 200
for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Among other benefits, the
stainless steel ring may shield the joint from exposure to spills
from liquids and other food products that might be encountered
during regular use. In other embodiments, the top portion 200 of
the temperature-regulating appliance 100 is otherwise coupled to a
countertop or other surface. By way of example, the top portion 200
may be coupled to the countertop using a flush mount kit such that
the top portion 200 is flush or substantially flush with the
surface of the countertop.
[0036] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about,"
"substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad
meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of
ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this
disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in
the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to
allow a description of certain features described and claimed
without restricting the scope of these features to the precise
numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be
interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential
modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and
claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as
recited in the appended claims.
[0037] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations
thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are
intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples,
representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such
terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are
necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0038] The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein,
means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one
another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed)
or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be
achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with
the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening
member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one
another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an
intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations
thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly
coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is
modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term
(e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without
any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower
definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above.
Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
[0039] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top,"
"bottom," "above," "below") are merely used to describe the
orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted
that the orientation of various elements may differ according to
other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended
to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0040] The hardware and data processing components used to
implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics,
logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with
the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed
with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital
signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other
programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed
to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose
processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments,
particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that
is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory
unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM,
ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or
computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes,
layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory
may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may
include database components, object code components, script
components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures
described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor
via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing
(e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more
processes described herein.
[0041] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired
program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0042] Although the figures and description may illustrate a
specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ
from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently
above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or
with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such
variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware
systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are
within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with
standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other
logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,
comparison steps, and decision steps.
[0043] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the temperature-regulating appliance 100 and the
components thereof (e.g., the top portion 200, the base 300, the
insulation 400, the temperature sensors 500, the mounting adapter
600, etc.) as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is
illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one
embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other
embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an
element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in
another embodiment has been described above, it should be
appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be
incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments
disclosed herein.
* * * * *